Name: Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; ¾ cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2/3 cup chicken broth, divided; 1/3 cup hoisin sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons cold water; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; Green onion, chopped for garnish; Chili garlic sauce (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 29 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, savory, and just a hint of spice, then Pineapple Chicken is about to become your new favorite weeknight wonder. Tender bites of juicy chicken get mingled with golden pineapple chunks in a sauce that’s glossy, rich, and positively irresistible. This is the kind of meal that will wow your family or dinner guests, yet the whole thing comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re an adventurous cook or just craving something different, Pineapple Chicken always serves up big smiles and even bigger flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pineapple Chicken lies in its simple ingredient list that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Every element has a purpose: from the tangy pineapple to the savory soy and hoisin, each piece layers on color, richness, or zippy bite so every forkful tastes special.

Vegetable oil: The neutral oil is perfect for searing the chicken without overpowering the dish’s bright flavors.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces, the chicken stays juicy and soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Fresh or canned pineapple: Pineapple chunks add signature sweetness and a sunny color; use whichever you have handy.
Minced garlic: Essential for building aromatic depth and a subtle savoriness.
Minced ginger: Brings warm spice and freshness that pairs perfectly with pineapple.
Pineapple juice: Packs extra fruitiness into the sauce and keeps things bright.
Soy sauce: Adds the perfect salty umami kick to round out flavors.
Chicken broth (divided): Keeps things juicy, deglazes the pan, and helps balance the sauce.
Hoisin sauce: Adds that signature hint of sweetness and depth, making the sauce irresistibly rich.
Brown sugar: Amplifies the caramelized notes and enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it coats every morsel of chicken and pineapple beautifully.
Cold water: Whisks with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for perfect sauce consistency.
Sesame seeds: A little sprinkle on top delivers crunch and a pleasant nutty finish.
Salt and pepper: Brings everything into balance, making every flavor pop.
Green onion (chopped): Adds a fresh and vibrant garnish that brightens up each bite.
Chili garlic sauce (optional): If you crave a touch of spice, this is the perfect way to dial it up.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step might seem simple, but it’s key for achieving that crave-worthy golden sear later on — dry chicken means less splatter and better browning.

Step 2: Season Generously

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks, then toss them in a bowl with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss well so every piece gets a little love. Proper seasoning here makes every bite of Pineapple Chicken shine.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and spread it out. Let it sizzle for six to eight minutes, stirring occasionally, so it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. This step locks in the juices!

Step 4: Deglaze and Add Aromatics

Once your chicken is golden, pour in a splash of chicken broth and use a sturdy spatula to scrape up every golden bit from the pan’s bottom. These browned bits mean even more flavor! Next, toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring until the aromas bloom — about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Mix the Signature Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, the rest of your chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. This is the secret to that glossy, restaurant-style finish for your Pineapple Chicken.

Step 6: Simmer with Pineapple

Add your prepared sauce and pineapple chunks to the skillet with the chicken. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld while the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible!

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Combine cornstarch and cold water in a separate small bowl to make a slurry. Pour this into your pan and watch as the sauce transforms — just a couple of minutes is all it takes to get that luscious, clingy texture.

Step 8: Spice It Up (Optional)

If you’re a fan of a sweet heat combo, stir in a little chili garlic sauce now — or set it on the table as a side for dipping. This adds an irresistible depth for anyone who likes things a touch zippier.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a shower of sesame seeds and bright green onions, then serve your Pineapple Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. Don’t forget to scoop up every bit of that dreamy sauce!

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing Pineapple Chicken is about adding both color and fresh flavor — sprinkle with a hearty pinch of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of finely sliced green onions. If you love some extra zing, a few chili flakes or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce on top can take it over the top.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines when spooned over jasmine or white rice, soaking up every drop of sweet-savory sauce. For a more colorful plate, serve with steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or even a crisp Asian slaw. The balance of lush chicken and fresh veggies makes for a stunning meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Pineapple Chicken in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl for dramatic presentation — it never fails to delight! Or, make lettuce cups for a fun hands-on twist. This dish is fantastic both family-style on a platter or portioned in individual bowls for a restaurant-at-home vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pineapple Chicken keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator. Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. The sauce actually gets even more flavorful as it sits, making those leftovers irresistible for lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Freezing is a cinch: simply portion any cooled Pineapple Chicken (including the sauce) into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best flavor and juiciness.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Pineapple Chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. A quick zap in the microwave works too — just stir halfway for even heating. The chicken stays tender and the sauce as glossy as ever!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in Pineapple Chicken?

Absolutely! Thighs are slightly juicier and more forgiving if accidentally overcooked, making them a wonderful, flavorful choice for Pineapple Chicken. Either cut works beautifully in this recipe.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this dish?

Both work well! Fresh pineapple brings a brighter, tangier punch, while canned (in juice, not syrup) offers convenience and consistent sweetness. Use whichever suits your mood or pantry.

Can I make Pineapple Chicken spicy?

Definitely! Simply stir in chili garlic sauce during cooking or offer it as a topping. You can also toss in sliced red chilies or a dash of sriracha to customize the heat level for your crowd.

What are some lower-carb sides for serving?

If you prefer to skip the rice, Pineapple Chicken is amazing piled onto cauliflower rice, sautéed greens, or even in lettuce wraps. The bold sauce pairs perfectly with lighter sides too.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

For sure! Just use a large enough skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. The recipe doubles easily and is always a hit at family gatherings or potlucks.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Pineapple Chicken at home is like bringing a tropical getaway right to your kitchen table — with minimal effort and maximum reward. There’s just something special about the way the sweet pineapple and savory chicken meld together under that shiny, flavorful sauce. Grab your skillet and give it a try; you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!